Fumigating package



May l, 1951 c. YEN-r v 2,551,406

FUMIGATING PACKAGE Filed Feb. 28, 1949 a 7\ 5 lllllll Fmt-4 ||ll|l llll ffm@ F p21/kw M Patented May 1, 1951 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE FUMIGATING PACKAGE Charles C. Yent, Louisville, Ky., assignor to Tobacco By-Products and Chemical Corporation, Inc., Louisville, Ky., a. corporation of Delaware Application February 28, 1949, Serial No. 78,720

(Cl. .2l- 111) 11 Claims. l

The present invention relates to packages for dispersing gaseous fluids and more particularly to improvements in packages which comprise a receptacle containing a combustible material associated with a heat-dispersible material. Specically, the invention is concerned withbut not limited to fumigating packages wherein the heat-dispersible material is a toxicant.

For fumigating packages of this type it is customary to (l) intimately blend or mix the toxicant with the combustible material, (2) fuse the toxicant onto the'combustible material, or (3) absorb the toxicant onto the combustible material or onto a carrier which is theny mixed with the combustible material. Examples are found in U. S. Patents No. 2,071,171 to McConnell, No. 2,449,695 to Galloway, and No. 1,412,065 to Schulz.

It has been determined that when the contents of packages of this general typeare ignited. relatively large quantities of the toxicant are destroyed because of (1) the high temperatures produced when the combustible material burns, and (2) theA sensitivity of certain toxicants to the alkaline nature of the ash which results from the combustion when potassium or sodium nitrate is utilized in the combustible material. Additionally, toxicant material contained within the mass of combustible material often causes erratic and uncontrolled burning of the latter.

It is an object of the present invention to provide means in a fumigating package of this general nature whereby the aforementioned disadvantages of toxicant decomposition and uncontrolled burning are avoided or largely overcome. A further object is provision of means whereby mixing or blending of the toxicant with the combustible material becomes unnecessary.

In accordance with the invention, the toxicant is--packaged out of contact with the combustible material, being separated therefrom by a heatdestructible membrane. The membrane is disposed on the inside of the fumigant dispensing receptacle in a manner adapted to confine the toxicant to a particular region within the recptacle and to prevent mixture of the toxicant with the combustible material. Preferably, the toxicant is maintained in the upper portion or along the side of the receptacle, while the filling of combustible material occupies a part or all of 'the lower` end of the receptacle.

The receptacle is provided near or in its upper end, above the top level of the combustible iilling with `means for allowing the release of gases. This means.preferably comprises one or more vents having frangible closures and situ ated at points not obstructed by the toxicant or membrane. The same or other means is adapted to allow for ignition of the combustible composition at or near the top surface thereof. The heat produced in the initial stages of the combustion causes destruction or disintegration of the heat-destructible membrane, allowing the confined mass of toxicant to be spilled out onto the adjacent surface of the body of combustible material. The burning of the combustible material progresses downwardly to the bottom, the hot gaseous combustion products rising through the ash.

Dispersion of the toxicant commences immediately. The gas or vapor from the toxicant mingles with the combustion gases and the mixture passes out of the receptacle through the vents which have been opened to provide for that purpose. As the burning of the combustible material continues to lower levels, the hot gaseous products continue to rise through the ash and into and through the zone occupied by toxicant, thereby continuing the steady dispersion and expulsion of the toxicant material. The dispersed toxicant is continually mixed and intimately blendedi withl the gaseous combustion products within the receptacle, forming a homogeneous smoke aerosol? which issues from the vents of the receptacle, the gaseous combustion products serving as a diluent and/or carrier for the toxicant. The limited amount of toxicant decomposition and the uniform delivery of toxicant from the receptacle serve to enhance the effectiveness of the fumigant and produce deiinitely improved biological results.

The invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. l is a vertical section through a umigating package in which the membrane divides the package into a compartment for the combustible material and a compartment for the toxicant;

Fig. 2 is a vertical section through a modied form of the package wherein the membrane forms a toxicant container supported above the combustible lling;

Fig. 3 is an elevation, with the upper end in section, of the package of Fig. 2, showing the package in operation and after the toxicant con tainer has been destroyed; and

Fig. 4 is a vertical section through a further modication of the invention in which the toxicant container extends into the combustible l1- ing.

Referring to the drawings,

Fig. 1 illustrates a fumigating package consisting of a sealed cylindrical receptacle l containing a body of combustible material 2 in its lower end and a mass of toxicant 3 in its upper end separated from the combustible material by a heat-destructible membrane 4. The side wall of the receptacle is provided with scored vents 5 which areto lbe punctured whenlthe package is to be put in pe'ration The pu'nctured vents allow for ignition of the combustible material by introduction of an igniter and escape of the gas?` eous products from the receptacle. Free space is provided between the surface of the combustible material and the membrane, giving access to the surface of the combustible material for the purpose of igniting it,r and -it is preferable that the gas outlet vents be suiciently above the surface of the combustible material t allow the toxicant to spill to a level below them wli'enfthe heat-destructible membrane is destroyed, thus avoiding loss of unvaporized toxicant through the vents. The membrane 4 shown in Fig. 1 is circular and slightly largerin diameter than the inside of the receptacle l in order that a tight t will be insured when the membrane is inserted into the receptacle. Positive means may be employed to hold the membrane in position, such as for instance adhesive along the edge of the membrane or a flange or lugs mounted on the wall of the receptacle. y

In the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 2, the membrane is in the form of a sealed bag or container 6, formed of heat-destructible sheet material, completely enclosing the toxicant. The container is secured to the lower surface of the top closure of the fumigating package by means of adhesive 1. vWhile it is not essential for the container 8 to be positively secured to the receptacle, especially if it forms a tight fit within the upper end of the receptacle, it generally is more practical for` it to be held in position either with adhesive or mechanical means such as a clip, flange, or lugs, etc. so that the movement during transit and handling of the receptacle is avoided. Obviously the container must be secured in a manner Iwhich will permit it to be destroyed or broken by the heat generated and the toxicant tourbe spilled onto the mass of combustible material in the receptacle.

In Fig. 3, the fumigant dispenser fof Fig. 2 lis shown in operation. The combustible material having been ignited, the heat has destroyed the container 6, a portion 8 of which is illustrated asadhering to the top of the receptacle and the toxicant 3 has been spilled over the surface of the combustible material.

The embodiment illustrated in Fig. 4 is desirable when a relatively large quantity of toxicant is to be employed with a relatively small amount of combustible material. In this case, the volurne of toxic'ant may betoo large for disposal in the upper end of the receptacle, e. g. it would extend down over the'surfae occupiedby the scoredv vents, preventing access of `the igniting instrument to the surface of the combustible material. The membrance'i'n this modif ication comprises an elongated sealed heat-destructible bag 9 containing the toxicant and secured to the side wall of receptacle l by means of adhesive 1. The container 9 is disposed with its long axis parallel' to and offset from the central longitudinal axis of the receptacle I. The container is 'placed as high 4in the receptacle as possible, Vwith its upper end in contact with the top closure of the receptacleand Aitsl yv'er end Within the mass f'cmbus'tible' lln Scored vents 5 are provided only in that portion of the receptacle side Wall opposite to that on which the container 1 is fastened, and the vents are not located at any points closer than about 9 from the container 9, thereby minimizing loss of unvaporized toxicant. Operation of the fumigating package is practically the same as for 'otherV embodiments of the invention, the major difference beingv that as burning progresses, the mixture of volatilized toxcant and gaseous combustion products escapes largely through the channel formed by the mass of toxi- 'a'nt Decomposition of toxicant is thereby minimized through avoidance of passage through ,theburhi'ng' combustible lling.

YThe receptacle I need not be cylindrical as illustrated, butymay be of any other suitable shape. It may be formed of metal or any other suitable material such as wood or fiber board which naturally or because of special treatment will withstand the heat produced upon combustion. Tin cans have proved very satisfactory. The receptacle may or may not be hermetically sealed, and any suitable form of gas outlet may be provided. If the side wall is composed of sheet metal, the outlets preferably consist of a series 'of vents having frangible closures which may be formed by scoring the wall of the receptacle as described Vin Patent No. 2,071,171.

Obviously, other types of vents such as pressure actuated exhaust valves, pet-cockss vproperly baled permanent openings, and the like will serve the purpose satisfactorily, and the expression vents yhaving frangible closures as herein used is intended to embrace vents produced by simply punching an opening in a sheet material. Likewise, the expression means adapted to serve as an outlet is inclusive of openings, valves, and mere surfaces adapted for puncture.

The heat-destructible `membrane may have either a exible or rigidstructure and may be formed of any suitablematerial which will be suihciently decomposed or disintegrated by the temperature produced by the'combustion to prevent its continued function as a separating and partitioning means; Obviously, it also should be sufficiently durable to remain intact'during rough handling of the package. Preferably v,the membrane is composed of a sheet material which is air-tight, to prevent premature dispersion and/ or spoilage ofthe toxicant. lCellophane has been found to be an excellent material for the purpose. Films of'cellulose acetate andcellulose nitrate are suitable. Waxed paper has'been employed suc'cessfully,'andin some instances, other types of paper or cloth Will prove satisfactory. However, materials V4which leave heavy carbonaceous residues upon combustionrgen'erally are not as effective, since these residues have a tendency to retard heat transfer and to interfere with the passage of gas. The membrane may be appropriately shapedeithe'rv as a wall or a containerfor disposalvertically,horizontally, -or at an intermediate incline within the receptacle.` Where the gas escape vent's'are located in the top Yclosure of vthe reeptacle,the membrane may be made t'oform an annular toxicant rn'a'ss` secured to the closure but not 'covering the vents.

A number of netho'd's for preparing a fumigating package in accordance with the invention will suggest themselves. A convenient method for preparing a-packa'ge wher-cina container-type hatdestructible membrane is employed coinprise's-lling the container' with toxicant 'and closing or sealing itf-ivertin'g la 'receptacle which has its bottom closure removed, inserting the toxicant container through the open bottom of the receptacle and securing the container to the receptacle, introducing the required amount of combustible material while the receptacle is still inverted, and securing the' bottom closure member to the receptacle.

Any suitable form cf igniter may be used without departing' from the invention. The receptacle may be provided with a properly located integral ignition unit such as is disclosed in Patent No. 2,449,695, or a sparkler, fuse or the like may be inserted through a gas vent after the latter has been provided.

The toxicant materials suitable for use in the invention include any of thoseheretofore used in fumigatng packages of this general type. That is to say, the toxicants formerly blended with combustible materials are, according to the invention, sealed off and partitioned from the combustible material by means of the heat-destructi- |ble membrane and kept separate from the filling of combustible materials. It is likely that the invention will also prove useful with toxicants which were heretofore not deemed adaptable to f umigating packages of this general nature.

-Many fumigating compounds are liquids at normal temperatures, and ordinarily it is impractical to package these compounds as liquids. However, the liquid fumigant may be absorbed on a ground (course or ne) inert carrier material and the product enclosed in a heat-destructible container. The heat supplied by the burning combustible material will drive the fumigant from the absorbent. By separating the toxicant from the combustible material, the latter may be alkaline or acid without appreciably influenc-` ing the decomposition of the toxicant.

The invention is by no means limited to the use of a single toxicant in a particular fumigating package. rI'wo or more toxicants can be used effectively in a single fumigating package, provided they are compatible when so used, and they may be packaged separately by means of a partitioning membrane or in two or more heat-destructible containers or together in a single heatdestructible container if it is feasible to store the particular compounds in contact with each other.

The combustible material may be selected from any of those heretofore known to be serviceable for employment in a pressure fumigator of this general type. These are for the most part combustion supporting materials which supply all the necessary elements for combustion and do not require a supply of oxygen from an extraneous source. Examples of suitable combustion supporting materials are disclosed in said Patents No. 2,071,171 and No. 1,412,065, and it will be understood that the term combustible material as herein employed is intended to include those materials which support their own combustion. Ordinarily, practice of the present invention is carried out with combustible materials having no added fumigant, but'i't may sometimes be desirable or practical to blend certain toxic materials with the combustible material.

A specic example of the invention which has been used successfully is as follows:

22.7 grams of parathion (0,0diethylO-p nitrophenyl thiophosphate) was absorbed on 34 grams of coarsely ground water-extracted tobacco stems. This made a 40% concentrate. The toxicant material thus prepared was placed in a small cellophane bag (l pound size), and the bag was trimmed to size and then sealed. An

6. empty l-pound can with scored vents and with the top in place but the bottom removed was ini verted and the container of parathion concentrate was attached to the top of the can in such a manner, i. e. near the center of the top, that the container would not interfere with the insertion of a lighted sparkler through any of the vents after they were opened. Rubber cement was employed for fastening the container to the top of the can.

395 grams of ground extracted tobacco material, containing sodium nitrate, was placed within the can. This quantity was selected as adequate to supply the heat necessary to disperse all of the parathion and had a burning rate proper to obtain a smoke aerosol lasting approximately three minutes. The bottom of the receptacle was then attached. The net contents of the can was approximately one pound of which about was parathion.

In using a fumigating package of the type described above, one or more vents are punched open, the package is placed on a fairly level surface, and a lighted sparkler is inserted. The combustible material is ignited and the heat developed destroys the heat-destructible container almost immediately. The parathion begins to issue forth usually in about 30 seconds, permitting the operator to place the fumigator in operation and then move away before he is exposed` to the toxic fumes.

The effectiveness of the fumigating package of the invention is evident from the following experimental results using parathion. Test I shows the results obtained when the parathion was applied from a pressure fumigator of the type in which the toxicant is blended with the com-l bustible material in accordance with the prior art.` Test Il shows the results obtained when the parathion was dispersed from a fumigating package of the type herein disclosed and claimed,

Parathz'on against tetranychus bimaculatus [l 1b. fumigator/l0,000 cu. it]

Per Cent Control Adult INymph Test I (17.6% parathion) I claim:

l. An article of manufacture for producing and dispensing gaseous fumigant fluids consisting of an assembly comprising a receptacle having a supporting base end, an opposite upper end, and side Wall structure, said receptacle forming a conned space consisting of an upper region occupying the upper portion thereof adjacent said upper end and a lower region occupying the lower portion thereof adjacent said base end, a body of solid combustion supporting combustible niaterial, capable when ignited of burning and liberating combustion gases, disposed within said lower region, a body of a heat dispersible toxicant material, capable when heated of liberating a toxicant fluid, disposed within said receptacle, a heat-destructible membrane separating the body of toxicant material from the body of combustible material, said body of toxicant material being in contact, through the intervening medium of said membrane, with said upper region, and structure providing means for venting gaseous 7b uids from said receptacle, said venting means 7 structure being disposed contiguous to said upper region and nearer said upper end than a normal upper surface of said body of combustible material, and said venting means structure being offset from said body of toxicant material.

2. An article as dened in claim 1 wherein at least a portion 'of the body of toxicant material is disposed within said upper region and nearer the upper end of said receptacle than the normal upper surface of the body of combustible material, and said receptacle is fire resistant.

3. An article as dened in claim 2 wherein the body of toxicant material is disposed entirely within said upper region.

4. An article as dened in claim 3 wherein said body of toxicant material is offset above said venting means structure, spaced from said body of combustible material, and supported by said heat-destructible membrane.

5. An article as defined in claim 4 wherein said heat destructible membrane comprises a sea-led bag-like container, said container being secured to said receptacle.

6. An article as defined in claim 5 wherein said container is a cellophane bag, said bag being adhesively secured to said upper end.

"1. An article as dened in claim l wherein said body of toxcant material is in the form of an elongated mass extending vertically adjacent to said wall structure, at least a lower portion of said elongated mass being disposed within said` lower region laterally adjacent said body of combustible material and separated therefrom only by said heat-destructible membrane, 4and said receptacle is heat resistant.

8. An article as defined in claim 'l' wherein an upper portion o said elongated mass of toxicant material is disposed in said upper region above the normal upper surface of the body of combustible material and said heat-destructible membrane is a closed bag-like container.

9. An article as dened in claim 8 wherein said bag-like container is a cellophane bag and said structure providing means for venting gaseous fluids from said receptacle comprises at least one rupturable scored vent disposed in the side wall structure contiguous to said upper region, oset from said cellophane bag, and spaced above said normal upper surface of said combustible material.

10. An article as defined in claim 9 wherein said receptacle is a metallic receptacle, said bag is secured to said wall with rubber cement, said toxicant material comprises parathion absorbed on ground water-extracted tobacco stems, and said body of combustible material comprises ground extracted tobacco material containing about 15% sodium nitrate, the venting means structure, combustible material body, and bag of toxicant material being so positioned that clearance is provided for access to the combustible material through the venting means structure by an igniting means.

11. A fumigating package comprising a sealed cylindrical metallic receptacle having a base, a top, elongated side walls, and rupturable scored vents in-said walls, a sealed cellophane container secured to the inside surface of said top by means of rubber' cement, a material within said container consisting of parathion absorbed on ground water-extracted tobacco stems, and a body of combustible material consisting of ground extracted tobacco material containing about 15% sodium nitrate situated within said receptacle spaced from said container and disposed between said container and said base, said mass being so positioned that it may be ignited by means inserted through said vents.

CHARLES C. YENT.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the le of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 801,855 Dreyfus Oct. 1'7, 1905 1,325,291 Hood Dec. 16, 1919 1,565,899 Broadner Dec. 15, 1925 1,856,062 Houghton Apr. 26, 1932 2,087,368 Wilson et al July 20, 1937 2,449,695 Galloway Sept. 21, 1948 

1. AN ARTICLE OF MANUFACTURE FOR PRODUCING AND DISPENSING GASEOUS FUMIGANT FLUIDS CONSISTING OF AN ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A RECEPTACLE HAVING A SUPPORTING BASE END, AND OPPOSITE UPPER END, AND SIDE WALL STRUCTURE, SAID RECEPTACLE FORMING A CONFINED SPACE CONSISTING OF AN UPPER REGION OCCUPYING THE UPPER PORTION THEREOF ADJACENT SAID UPPER END AND A LOWER REGION OCCUPYING THE LOWER PORTION THEREOF ADJACENT SAID BASE END, A BODY OF SOLID COMBUSTION SUPPORTING COMBUSTIBLE MATERIAL, CAPABLE WHEN IGNITED OF BURNING AND LIBERATING COMBUSTION GASES, DISPOSED WITHIN SAID LOWER REGION, A BODY OF A HEAT DISPERSIBLE TOXICANT MATERIAL, CAPABLE WHEN HEATED OF LIBERATING A TOXICANT FLUID, DISPOSED WITHIN SAID RECEPTACLE, A HEAT-DESTRUCTIBLE MEMBRANE SEPARATING THE BODY OF TOXICANT MATERIAL FROM THE BODY OF COMBUSTIBLE MATERIAL, SAID BODY OF TOXICANT MATERIAL BEING IN CONTACT, THROUGH THE INTERVENING MEDIUM OF SAID MEMBRANE, WITH SAID UPPER REGION, AND STRUCTURE PROVIDING MEANS FOR VENTING MEANS FLUIDS FROM SAID RECEPTACLE, SAID VENTING MEANS STRUCTURE BEING DISPOSED CONTIGUOUS TO SAID UPPER REGION AND NEARER SAID UPPER END THAN A NORMAL UPPER SURFACE OF SAID BODY OF COMBUSTIBLE MATERIAL, AND SAID VENTING MEANS STRUCTURE BEING OFFSET FROM SAID BODY OF TOXICANT MATERIALS. 